Building Blocks: C&E Flats

Property description: The C&E Flats is a new addition to the historic C&E Lofts, a 104-unit apartment building that opened in 2013 at 2410 University Ave. W. in St. Paul. The exterior of the 119-unit C&E Flats mixes bronze paneling with copper-trimmed windows, a nod to an area with many red and brown warehouses, offices and retail spaces.

The lobby, which faces Raymond Avenue, looks like a comfortable coffee shop, with fashionable seating and a gas fireplace. The first floor also has a conference room and a small fitness center with several digital exercise options.

The second floor of the six-level building offers a nicely appointed club room, a small outdoor pool, plantings and a grilling area. The U-shaped building has a green roof next to the pool, according to Exeter principal Herbert W. Tousley IV.

In trying to link the new with the old, C&E Flats features reclaimed wood walls with floor numbers torched into them on every level. Weathered wood accents prevail throughout the building.

“We wanted to make it feel like the loft building even if it’s a new building on top of a historic one,” he said.

The building’s garage holds 55 vehicles. A 60-space lot sits in the back. The Raymond Avenue light rail transit station is nearby.

Tenant features: Units range from 450 to 968 square feet, with studios and one- and two-bedroom configurations available. Apartments have granite countertops, Energy Star stainless steel appliances, in-home washers and dryers, pocket doors, 9-foot ceilings and operable windows. Retail space on Raymond will soon house a brewery, and a restaurant will open in one of two University Avenue spaces.

Intriguing tidbits: C&E Flats is marketed with a green theme, one that can be seen in a second green roof overlooking University Avenue and a solar array that helps power the building. Moreover, Exeter added amenities that tenants of both C&E Flats and C&E Lofts can enjoy, including lounges and co-working rooms, said Brenda Hvambsal, marketing vice president of Steven Scott Management Inc.

“Residents tell us they like that there are so many restaurants and breweries in this neighborhood, and the access to light rail is great,” she said.